However, it has been difficult to determine if this will translate into a reduction in non-urgent ED use. Very few studies have evaluated education in the ED. When it has been studied, they have been unsuccessful in altering ED utilization habits. One possible explanation for the lack of success is that some interventions have attempted to teach the parents while they were awaiting discharge. At that point in time, the parents are tired, distracted, and probably anxious to leave, thereby diminishing the effect of the intervention. Furthermore, providing patients with information handouts is not the optimal approach to achieve patient/parent education.